CHICAGO >> An apple a day doesn’t necessarily keep the doctor away. That’s according to new research that found daily apple eaters had just as many doctor visits as those who ate fewer or no apples.

The findings underscore that it takes more than just one kind of food to make a healthy diet and avoid illness.

The proverb is thought to have originated in Wales in the 1800s. Apples have a long shelf life and were likely one of the few fruits that were available throughout the year.

Lead author Matthew Davis is a researcher at the University of Michigan. He says the results challenge the proverb but to really disprove it would require a more rigorous study.

The research was published Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine.